Four-Time World Champion Sebastian Vettel Backs Lewis Hamilton in His Pursuit of the Drivers’ Championship

In an exclusive interview with BBC Sounds following the 2025 season opener and prior to the Chinese Grand Prix, four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel has voiced his support for Lewis Hamilton as the British racer gears up for a fierce battle against Ferrari this year.

Vettel’s Experience with Ferrari Could Aid Hamilton

Having spent six seasons with Scuderia from 2015 to 2020, Vettel brings valuable experience behind the wheel of a Maranello machine that could potentially benefit his rival-turned-friend. Joining the Italian team as a champion after a successful stint at Red Bull, the German aimed to emulate the footsteps of his idol and close friend, Michael Schumacher.

During his time in the red car, Vettel demonstrated potential, even launching an attack on Lewis Hamilton’s campaign in 2017 and 2018. However, it was Hamilton who emerged victorious after a couple of exceptional seasons.

A Mutual Respect Between Rivals

In 2021, at a press conference at Imola, Hamilton expressed his admiration for their battles, stating, “I’ve got a really bad memory, but I’m going to go and say mine and Seb’s battles were my favourite up until now so far.” The respect was reciprocated by Vettel in the BBC interview.

Differences in Pressure at Ferrari Compared to Other Teams

When asked about the pressures and expectations at Ferrari compared to other teams, Vettel commented, “Maybe it is a bit, but I think Lewis is a competitor and he has very high expectations about himself so I think he’s probably very ambitious to be in that seat right now and not so focused on the noise around, but more to make it work.”

Crossing Fingers for Hamilton’s Championship Bid

Vettel was further asked why his championship bid didn’t pan out, to which he responded, “For me it didn’t quite work because Lewis was there so let’s see now how he will get on. But, yeah, my fingers [are] crossed. I obviously raced him a long time, we get along really well, and he’s by far the most outspoken driver on the grid at the minute, his on-track skills don’t need to be repeated.”

Vettel continued, “I think the numbers, statistics speak for themselves but it’s great to see he’s still on the grid and still has that influence. He uses it in a positive manner. So naturally my fingers are crossed for him to win the championship, but also Charles is there, I raced with him.”

Vettel concluded, “I think it’s a strong line up and in the end it takes a lot of things to come together to be there in the last couple of races to fight for the championship. We will see. It will be close, but I’m definitely not ruling anybody out.”

The 2026 Regulations Offer Opportunities for Hamilton

With the 2026 regulations set to bring substantial changes to the cars, Hamilton will have a good chance to fight for the championship as each team begins their development cycle anew. However, the 2025 season could prove to be a tight and exciting contest before that.